The Australian Furniture Association commends the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) introduction of the Consumer Goods (Toppling Furniture) Information Standard 2024, which will come into effect on 4 May 2025. This new standard addresses the serious safety risks posed by unstable furniture, which can lead to injuries and fatalities, especially among young children.
Why the New Standard is Crucial
Unsecured or unstable furniture is a significant hazard, particularly for children under the age of five. Each year, incidents involving toppling furniture cause injuries ranging from fractures to severe head trauma, and in some cases, result in loss of life. This standard aims to mitigate these risks by ensuring that safety information is clear, visible, and easily accessible to consumers when purchasing furniture.
Key Compliance Requirements
Under the new regulations, all suppliers in the furniture industry—including manufacturers, importers, and retailers—must meet the following requirements:
- Detailed safety instructions: Clear guidance on how to secure furniture safely, including anchoring recommendations.
- Mandatory safety warnings: Clear and visible warnings about the risks of unsecured or unstable furniture.
- Easy-to-follow installation instructions: Information to help consumers use and install furniture properly to avoid accidents.
Why This Matters: Protecting Consumers and Your Business
The Consumer Goods (Toppling Furniture) Information Standard was established to protect lives, particularly young children, who are at high risk of injury from unstable furniture. By adhering to the standard, you not only ensure compliance but also demonstrate your commitment to consumer safety—strengthening trust in your brand and the broader Australian furniture industry.
Preparing for Compliance: What You Need to Do
To help you prepare for this important transition, we recommend that you:
- Update product information: Review your product documentation to ensure it includes all required safety instructions and warnings.
- Check product labelling: Ensure that all relevant furniture items have visible warnings about the risks of toppling.
- Train your team: Educate your staff about the new requirements so they can confidently guide consumers and highlight the importance of furniture safety.
AFA Support: We’re Here to Help You Comply
At the AFA, we are committed to supporting you through this process. We understand the challenges involved in adapting to new standards, and we are here to provide guidance, resources, and best practices to help ensure you are fully compliant before the 4 May 2025 deadline.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions or require assistance in understanding your obligations under the new standard. Our team is ready to offer support and ensure that you have everything you need to meet these requirements.
Conclusion: A Safer Future for Australian-Made Furniture
By proactively preparing for the Consumer Goods (Toppling Furniture) Information Standard, we can protect consumers, reduce the risks associated with toppling furniture, and reinforce the reputation of Australian-made products as safe, reliable, and trusted. Let’s work together to ensure that our industry leads the way in safety and compliance.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Contact the AFA for Support at care@theafa.asn.au